Latest news with #CarnivalHorizon
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Carnival Cruise Line cruisers debate controversial elevator issue
Carnival Cruise Line cruisers debate controversial elevator issue originally appeared on Come Cruise With Me. If you haven't sailed on a cruise ship equipped with an advanced elevator system, you might not be aware that not all elevators are the traditional push-button variety. It's a clear industry trend for smart elevators to be installed on newer cruise ships. In Carnival's fleet, they have been added to a handful of ships, including the Carnival Horizon, Carnival Vista, and a few elevators are designed to reduce congestion in the elevator lobbies and reduce wait times. Instead of getting on an elevator and then hitting the button for the desired floor, smart elevators have no buttons whatsoever. The basic idea is that you'll use a touchscreen in the elevator lobby to input your desired floor and the number of people in your party. The screen will then assign you an elevator, and if you get on that elevator when it arrives, it will take you to your destination. There are some obvious benefits to this. At least once per cruise on ships with traditional elevators, I encounter a situation where I get on an elevator, only to find out that someone has hit all of the buttons and it will be stopping at every floor (to be fair, at times it has been my young children who have done that). Smart elevators eliminate this problem. On the other hand, there are some pain points. As one example, let's say that you request an elevator to the lido deck, and once you get on, you remember you're meeting your party on the promenade deck. You can't simply hit the correct button – you have to get off, use the touchscreen again, and wait for another elevator. There can also be a learning curve, as getting on the wrong car or failing to select the correct number of passengers can be an inconvenient seems like there really is no middle ground. Cruisers either love the smart elevator systems on cruise ships or absolutely detest them. Carnival Brand Ambassador recently received a comment from one of his Facebook followers, stating 'Put the smart elevators on every ship. They are awesome. They really do work and take the annoyance away from ship elevators. Put them on every ship.' As Heald often does, he used this comment to conduct a poll among his followers to determine whether cruisers agree with the comment. After about 54,000 votes, the result was clear – although many cruisers haven't yet been on a ship equipped with smart elevators, of those who have, cruisers agreed that they should be on all Carnival cruise ships – and by a three-to-one the comments on Heald's poll, it sounds like the technology is well-received, but the biggest obstacle is educating the passengers on how to use them properly. As one example, Heald follower Don DeMarte said 'It's not the elevators that are annoying. It's the passengers that refuse to learn them that are the issue. Walking up with four or five in your party and requesting only one spot kills the whole system.' More Carnival cruise news: Carnival Cruise Line plans to bring back popular app feature Carnival Cruise Line sounds the alarm on new scam Carnival Cruise Line shares strict bathroom warning Kate Hanson agreed. 'The smart elevators are amazing, but rarely do people know how to use them correctly. Maybe at muster, the crew members should mention that they have smart elevators and people have to push it number of times for the number of people. Because they aren't doing it!' And Donna Speaks Meade said, 'Smart elevators are great once you learn how to use lol. They seem to disperse crowd[s] faster.' To be fair, as smart elevators start to become more of a standard feature on cruise ships and not just something you'll find on a handful of vessels, more cruisers will become accustomed to how they are designed to be used. But even for now, it sounds like they are a clear improvement over traditional elevator technology. (The Arena Group will earn a commission if you book a cruise.) , or email Amy Post at or call or text her at 386-383-2472. This story was originally reported by Come Cruise With Me on May 23, 2025, where it first appeared.
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Carnival Cruise Line cancels more cruises, adds adults-only cruises
Carnival Cruise Line cancels more cruises, adds adults-only cruises originally appeared on Come Cruise With Me. "We are sorry to inform you that the above cruises, including yours, have been canceled.' That's a notice that most cruisers never expect to receive, but unfortunately, it's one that some Carnival cruise passengers were blindsided by it was some Carnival Magic and Carnival Horizon passengers who received this type of news in April, and now passengers booked on certain sailings on another ship have learned their cruises are canceled, too. Why is Carnival Cruise Line canceling cruises? It all stems from changes made to the schedule for Carnival cruise ship dry docks — changes that were likely outside of the cruise line's control, since the shipyard manages that schedule. Like most cruise lines' ships, Carnival cruise ships are scheduled to go to dry dock every few years for routine maintenance and updates. Cruise lines typically know far in advance when each ship will be out of service for its dry dock, and they plan their cruise itineraries around that. However, sometimes schedule changes happen. Unfortunately, when those changes happen, a few cruises usually get canceled as a result. And in this case, as some Carnival cruises were canceled, a few controversial new cruises were added too — adults-only sailings that break with family cruise line Carnival Magic, Carnival Conquest just had its dry dock postponed from 2025 to early 2026. Carnival Conquest, which sails short Bahamas cruises from Miami year-round, was originally scheduled to go to dry dock in late summer 2025. Now, the ship will go in January 2026 instead, resulting in the cancellation of multiple cruises that were scheduled to depart on the ship between Jan. 5 and Jan. 26, passengers will receive full refunds of their cruise fares and any pre-purchased items, but are also being offered the opportunity to book an alternative voyage. Carnival is protecting these passengers' cruise rates on comparable sailings in similar accommodations. If they rebook on another voyage, they will also receive an onboard credit of $50 per passenger ($100 maximum per stateroom). The cruise line is also reimbursing passengers up to $200 per person for any nonrefundable air expenses and/or change fees as the cruise line did as a result of Carnival Magic's dry dock schedule change, Carnival has now added additional sailings on board Carnival Conquest in August and September 2025 in order to fill the schedule gap left by the ship's postponed dry dock. Rather than add more of the ship's usual three- and four-day Bahamas cruises during that time, the cruise line decided to take the opportunity to add four specialty adults-only sailings that caught many cruisers by surprise. These adults-only cruises, which are similar to a few of the sailings already added on Carnival Magic, have been a hot topic among loyal Carnival cruisers, since they don't fit with Carnival's family cruise line image. More Carnival cruise news:It's important to understand, though, that the newly added SEA cruises — sailings exclusively for adults — are adults-only because they're casino cruises, which aren't for kids. The SEA cruises feature expanded casino access, casino-friendly ports, and other perks to help adult passengers maximize casino playing time. These Carnival SEA cruises also aren't open to the general public, at least not yet. Right now, they're only being offered to Carnival Players Club casino loyalty program members during an early-access period that runs until June 9. After that, the limited sailings will open to the public, if they're not already sold out. (The Arena Group will earn a commission if you book a cruise.) , or email Amy Post at or call or text her at 386-383-2472. This story was originally reported by Come Cruise With Me on May 29, 2025, where it first appeared.
Yahoo
09-05-2025
- Yahoo
Cruise excursion leads to illness; Princess Cruises limits drinks
When considering shore excursions for your cruise, booking directly through your cruise line is usually the safest route, especially in cruise ports that have travel warnings. Booking a shore excursion through your cruise line comes with the peace of mind of knowing that the activity and tour operator have been vetted by the cruise doesn't mean that cruise line-recommended shore excursions don't come with safety risks, however. One type of shore excursion that's regularly promoted by cruise lines sailing in The Bahamas was recently linked to a severe infection that impaired a cruise passenger's life for years. Doug Parker shared more details on this shore excursion-related health scare and other cruise news on the May 8th edition of Cruise News Cruise News Today with Doug Parker. Good morning, here's your cruise news for Thursday, May 8th. Be careful if you're swimming with the pigs. Yeah, a New York woman says a six-year health scare began after swimming with the pigs on an excursion near Nassau, Bahamas. She reportedly contracted a parasitic roundworm after holding a piglet near her face. Now, symptoms included facial lesions and severe pain, which were misdiagnosed for years until that parasite was confirmed. Experts say human infection is rare but possible through contact with contaminated feces. The "swimming with the pigs" excursion remains popular with cruisers in The Princess Cruises is tightening its drink package rules and scaling back what's included. Now, starting Friday, guests can only order one drink per transaction and won't be allowed double pours. At the same time, the line has quietly dropped its canned sodas from its Plus and Premier packages, now only covering fountain drinks. Although cans can still be bought at a discount or come included with soda-only packages. The updates are said to curb misuse while keeping onboard services goodbye, shore excursion tickets. Carnival Cruise Line is going digital with its shore excursions. The company announced yesterday that it's phasing out paper tickets, replacing them with a system that uses its Hub app and Sail & Sign cards. Now, the new platform is already in use on select Caribbean and Bahamas itineraries and will be fully implemented at Celebration Key in The Bahamas this goal, they say, is to streamline shore excursion check-ins and offer real-time updates. A full rollout across North America is expected later this year; in Europe and Alaska in 2026. And cruise stocks were all up around 1% on Wednesday. Carnival Corporation: 19.69. Royal Caribbean: 228.01. Norwegian Cruise Line: 17.31. And Viking: 43.03. If you have a lead on a story, let us know. Tips@ And this week's Cruise Radio Podcast, a review of Carnival Horizon, where you listen to your favorite podcasts. I'm Doug Parker with Cruise News Today. Have yourself a great Thursday. (The Arena Group will earn a commission if you book a cruise.) , or email Amy Post at or call or text her at 386-383-2472.
Yahoo
04-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Carnival is opening a private resort for cruise passengers. See what's in the works
Carnival Corp. is putting the finishing touches on, not a new ship but a new destination for cruise passengers. Beginning in July, Doral-based Carnival will send ships between PortMiami and Celebration Key, a private development in the Bahamas. Described by the cruise ship company as 'a new destination from the ground up,' Celebration Key is on the southern side of Grand Bahama island and about 17 miles northeast of Freeport. When finished, the resort will have its own pier with two berths where Carnival's largest ships can dock. In 2026, the pier at Celebration Key will add two more berths so a total of four Carnival ships can dock at the same time. The resort will feature water slides for kids, scuba diving and other sports, and excursions. And there will be restaurants and bars that passengers can reach by walking or swimming. Costing $600 million, the destination is the latest in major cruise carriers betting big time on private islands or resorts built from the ground up. The new stops give cruisers more beach time, expand group activities and bring in more money. Royal Caribbean, also based in Miami, is developing a third private space in Mexico that's expected to be ready in 2027. The company's other two private resorts are in Labadee, Haiti, and Coco Cay in the Bahamas. Norwegian Cruise Line has Great Stirrup Cay, also in the Bahamas. Carnival is so keen on Celebration Key that 20 of its 27 ships plan to sail there, including all five ships that call PortMiami home: Carnival Celebration, Carnival Horizon, Carnival Sunrise, Carnival Conquest and Carnival Magic. Ships sailing from Baltimore, New Orleans and Galveston will also head there this year. Carnival Conquest, which does three-and four-day trips to the Bahamas, will be the first PortMiami-based ship to visit Celebration Key, departing South Florida on July 18. 'Celebration Key represents a new chapter for Carnival and its construction builds on our close partnership with the Bahamas,' Christine Duffy, president of Carnival Cruise Line, said in a statement. 'Seeing it transform from vision to reality is incredible.' Duffy visited the under-construction Celebration Key in February, along with Carnival Corp. Chief Executive Officer Josh Weinstein and Chief Maritime Officer Lars Ljoen. The cruise executives joined leaders from the organization Plant a Tree and replanted about 1,000 sabal palms, a nod to the role their industry needs to play in increasing sustainability. Duffy also took part in 'the ceremonial filling of one of two expansive freshwater lagoons, the largest in the Caribbean.' These will be sustained by Celebration Key's desalination system that converts seawater into freshwater. The lagoons span over seven acres and hold about seven million gallons of water. Carnival broke ground on the project less than three years ago. About 500 Bahamian workers are on the 65-acre site around the clock to make sure the resort is ready by July. The cruises from Miami that will stop at Celebration Key range from a three-day weekend cruise on Carnival Conquest to a 13-day trip starting from Barcelona on Carnival Journeys. Carnival Celebration will offer a variety of seven-day cruises to the eastern and western Caribbean that stop at the new resort. The resort expects to have more than 30 restaurants and bars, from full-service sit-downs to self-ordering food trucks. The development is broken down into different areas. Paradise Plaza is the welcoming area. Starfish Lagoon has recreation and relaxation. Calypso Lagoon has an adult-only area with a DJ island and a large swim-up bar. Pearl Cove Beach Club is a premium adult-only space with an infinity pool and beachfront cabanas. Pearl Cove Beach Club will offer beachfront daybeds, private cabanas and Super Villas, each of which includes access to the club's open bar service, infinity pool, full-service restaurant and beachfront. Here is a rundown on the food and drinks: Calypso Lagoon ▪ Mingo's Tropical Bar & Kitchen, named after the Bahamas' national bird the flamingo, is a full-service, Carnival-run restaurant offering Bahamian favorites including fried fish and conch fritters, as well as burgers, seafood, tacos, steak and sandwiches. Mingo's bar will serve tropical frozen drinks and cocktails. ▪ Mingo's Express food truck, just outside the restaurant, has self-ordering kiosks and shaded seating, and to-go hamburgers, salads and fish sandwiches. ▪ Surf N' Sauce BBQ & Brews is a full-service dining spot serving slow-smoked meat prepared in an outdoor smoker. A full-service bar pours craft beer from Bahamian breweries. Starfish Lagoon ▪ Gill's Grill, a full-service restaurant and full bar, cooks up Caribbean seafood including seafood baskets, local fish, lobster, steamed crab and shrimp, chicken, burgers and kids' meals. ▪ Captain's Galley Food Hall features five outlets serving burgers, hot dogs, fried chicken, pizza, Mediterranean bowls, tacos and burritos. ▪ Food trucks with self-ordering kiosks offer chicken sandwiches, burgers and conch fritters. Pearl Cove Beach Club ▪ Pearl Cove Beach Club restaurant in an area for guests 18 and older. Calypso Lagoon ▪ Long Necks Bar is where you can grab one of 100 seats and order a frozen drink, beer or Bahamian cocktailwhile aDJ spins tunes. ▪ The Sunshine Swings Bar has 40 swings and offers a 'chill vibe.' ▪ The Parrotfish Swim Up Bar has seating in-water and out-of-water and serves frozen cocktails and mocktails with tropical fruit juice. Pearl Cove Beach Club ▪ An infinity pool overlooks the beach and a swim-up bar Paradise Plaza ▪ A welcome area where you can get your caffeine fix or energy boost with coffee and ice cream. You can book sailings taking place into 2027. To learn more about their sailings and make reservations, visit the Carnival website at
Miami Herald
03-03-2025
- Business
- Miami Herald
Carnival is opening a private resort for cruise passengers. See what's in the works
Carnival Corp. is putting the finishing touches on, not a new ship but a new destination for cruise passengers. Beginning in July, Doral-based Carnival will send ships between PortMiami and Celebration Key, a private development in the Bahamas. Described by the cruise ship company as 'a new destination from the ground up,' Celebration Key is on the southern side of Grand Bahama island and about 17 miles northeast of Freeport. When finished, the resort will have its own pier with two berths where Carnival's largest ships can dock. In 2026, the pier at Celebration Key will add two more berths so a total of four Carnival ships can dock at the same time. The resort will feature water slides for kids, scuba diving and other sports, and excursions. And there will be restaurants and bars that passengers can reach by walking or swimming. Costing $600 million, the destination is the latest in major cruise carriers betting big time on private islands or resorts built from the ground up. The new stops give cruisers more beach time, expand group activities and bring in more money. Royal Caribbean, also based in Miami, is developing a third private space in Mexico that's expected to be ready in 2027. The company's other two private resorts are in Labadee, Haiti, and Coco Cay in the Bahamas. Norwegian Cruise Line has Great Stirrup Cay, also in the Bahamas. Carnival is so keen on Celebration Key that 20 of its 27 ships plan to sail there, including all five ships that call PortMiami home: Carnival Celebration, Carnival Horizon, Carnival Sunrise, Carnival Conquest and Carnival Magic. Ships sailing from Baltimore, New Orleans and Galveston will also head there this year. Carnival Conquest, which does three-and four-day trips to the Bahamas, will be the first PortMiami-based ship to visit Celebration Key, departing South Florida on July 18. At the construction site Carnival Cruise Line President Christine Duffy and Carnival Corp. CEO Josh Weinstein look out over Calypso Lagoon Courtesy of Carnival 'Celebration Key represents a new chapter for Carnival and its construction builds on our close partnership with the Bahamas,' Christine Duffy, president of Carnival Cruise Line, said in a statement. 'Seeing it transform from vision to reality is incredible.' Duffy visited the under-construction Celebration Key in February, along with Carnival Corp. Chief Executive Officer Josh Weinstein and Chief Maritime Officer Lars Ljoen. The cruise executives joined leaders from the organization Plant a Tree and replanted about 1,000 sabal palms, a nod to the role their industry needs to play in increasing sustainability. Duffy also took part in 'the ceremonial filling of one of two expansive freshwater lagoons, the largest in the Caribbean.' These will be sustained by Celebration Key's desalination system that converts seawater into freshwater. The lagoons span over seven acres and hold about seven million gallons of water. Carnival broke ground on the project less than three years ago. About 500 Bahamian workers are on the 65-acre site around the clock to make sure the resort is ready by July. The cruises from Miami that will stop at Celebration Key range from a three-day weekend cruise on Carnival Conquest to a 13-day trip starting from Barcelona on Carnival Journeys. Carnival Celebration will offer a variety of seven-day cruises to the eastern and western Caribbean that stop at the new resort. The resort expects to have more than 30 restaurants and bars, from full-service sit-downs to self-ordering food trucks. The development is broken down into different areas. Paradise Plaza is the welcoming area. Starfish Lagoon has recreation and relaxation. Calypso Lagoon has an adult-only area with a DJ island and a large swim-up bar. Pearl Cove Beach Club is a premium adult-only space with an infinity pool and beachfront cabanas. Pearl Cove Beach Club will offer beachfront daybeds, private cabanas and Super Villas, each of which includes access to the club's open bar service, infinity pool, full-service restaurant and beachfront. Here is a rundown on the food and drinks: Food on Carnival's Celebration Key Calypso Lagoon ▪ Mingo's Tropical Bar & Kitchen, named after the Bahamas' national bird the flamingo, is a full-service, Carnival-run restaurant offering Bahamian favorites including fried fish and conch fritters, as well as burgers, seafood, tacos, steak and sandwiches. Mingo's bar will serve tropical frozen drinks and cocktails. ▪ Mingo's Express food truck, just outside the restaurant, has self-ordering kiosks and shaded seating, and to-go hamburgers, salads and fish sandwiches. ▪ Surf N' Sauce BBQ & Brews is a full-service dining spot serving slow-smoked meat prepared in an outdoor smoker. A full-service bar pours craft beer from Bahamian breweries. Starfish Lagoon ▪ Gill's Grill, a full-service restaurant and full bar, cooks up Caribbean seafood including seafood baskets, local fish, lobster, steamed crab and shrimp, chicken, burgers and kids' meals. ▪ Captain's Galley Food Hall features five outlets serving burgers, hot dogs, fried chicken, pizza, Mediterranean bowls, tacos and burritos. ▪ Food trucks with self-ordering kiosks offer chicken sandwiches, burgers and conch fritters. Pearl Cove Beach Club ▪ Pearl Cove Beach Club restaurant in an area for guests 18 and older. Beverages on Celebration Key Calypso Lagoon ▪ Long Necks Bar is where you can grab one of 100 seats and order a frozen drink, beer or Bahamian cocktailwhile aDJ spins tunes. ▪ The Sunshine Swings Bar has 40 swings and offers a 'chill vibe.' ▪ The Parrotfish Swim Up Bar has seating in-water and out-of-water and serves frozen cocktails and mocktails with tropical fruit juice. Pearl Cove Beach Club ▪ An infinity pool overlooks the beach and a swim-up bar Paradise Plaza ▪ A welcome area where you can get your caffeine fix or energy boost with coffee and ice cream. Carnival cruise reservations You can book sailings taking place into 2027. To learn more about their sailings and make reservations, visit the Carnival website at
